Emma Saad, Patricia McKeon and Sanzida Hoque (left to right).

Patients partner with Allied Health to achieve goals

The power of patients and health professionals working together can help people with disabilities to achieve their goals and dreams.

Allied Health professionals working at the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District play an important role every day in helping to empower people with disabilities.

Patricia McKeon, who has a spinal disorder called Arachnoiditis, worked with Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Recreational Therapists at Nepean Hospital over four years to regain her ability to walk.

She was then able to fulfill her dream to go on a walking holiday in the Northern Territory and Western Australia covering sections of the famously challenging Larapinta Trail.

“It’s thanks to all their help”, says Ms McKeon, speaking at Nepean Hospital’s recent International Day of People with Disability event.

This year the theme is empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.

“What you get is their expertise. It’s tailored to us and it evolves with us as we improve,” says Ms McKeon.

Emma Saad is a Senior Physiotherapist at Nepean Hospital and says that “Allied Health staff spend weeks, months and even years working with their patients towards achieving their goals”.

“International Disability Day provides a great opportunity to shine a light on the dedicated Allied Health professionals we have here in our Local Health District”.

Rehabilitation Physiotherapist Sanzida Hoque, who worked closely with Ms McKeon over a period of years, says that “I consider myself to be lucky as I am inspired and grounded by my patients”.